All Monsters are Human

Second Blood
I awoke that morning expecting the worst. Last night had been an uneasy night as I kept on waking up thinking there was someone at the foot of my bed.

When I got up I checked the windows only to discover they were bolted and I heaved a massive sigh of relief. I hurriedly dressed and made my way downstairs for breakfast.

The hallway felt very cold for some reason and I rounded the corner to the kitchen with nervous apprehension only to find Mum standing in the kitchen, looking annoyed.

She nearly jumped when I sat down at the table, but regained her composure. My Mum was an unflappable woman and disliked mess.

"Hey, Mum. What's wrong?" I asked.

"Your bloody father left the back door unlocked last night. I came down this morning and it was freezing in here." She huffed.

My eyes widened and my throat suddenly felt very tight. Anyone could have gotten in last night including my would-be stalker.

"You all right, hun?" Mum's voice snapped me out of my horror filled daze.

I nodded and managed a nervous smile. Mum still seemed concerned though. She knew about what happened between Brett and I. She had liked him when we were friends, but now her opinion of him was coloured.

"Has he apologised?" She asked, passing me a cup of coffee.

"No, I mean, he won't even speak to me." I mumbled.

"Is he still with her?" Mum snapped, sounding agitated. She disliked Lorna even less.

"Yeah, they're still together." I sighed, sadly, sipping my coffee and staring off into space.

Mum sat opposite me and I felt her touch my hand. She smiled reassuringly in that way that made me feel safe and like the world was full of rainbows.

"Don't worry, hun," Mum stroked my hand. She perked up suddenly. "This weekend your father and I are going away."

I gulped down the mouthful of my coffee. They were seriously going away and then I remembered it was their anniversary. I stared at Mum in, what must have been shock.

"Will you be here this weekend? If you are I can leave you some money for pizza." She continued.

I would be here. When my parents used to go out I would spend my weekends with Lorna and my other friends, but now I would be alone in the house. I didn't even want to think about that creepy note.

I quickly finished my coffee and left for college. The winter sun was starting to slowly shine through the grey clouds and I made the short walk to college. I got onto the main road and felt much safer.

A feeling, like ice down my neck made me look over my shoulder. It felt as though someone had been following me, but there was no one there. My eyes darted around wildly and I started to walk quicker, practically running up the hill.

I got to the gates and looked back down the street. There was no one there. I was quickly through the main doors and my breathing evened out as I walked down the hall. It soon picked up again when I saw Brett.

He was wearing his usual snap-back cap and I realised he must have been waiting for Lorna. There was a time he used to wait here for me, but those times were over. I knew I would have to walk past him to get by.

I prepared to slink by and was halfway past when a hand grabbed my wrist. I whipped round to glare at him.

"Flick," His tone was dangerous. "I know you've been spreading rumours about me."

I wrenched my arm out of his grasp and glared at him with all the venom I could muster. I was hoping a teacher would walk by, but no one did.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I snapped.

"Yeah, well I think you do." He stepped closer, using his height to intimidate me.

"Well, I don't. I want nothing to do with you." I could hear my voice shake.

An arm wrapped round my shoulder and I turned to see a flash of blue hair and Imogen was at my side. Her eyes were narrowed. She was taller than me and she easily met Brett's gaze.

"Bit early for bullying?" She hissed.

"Whatever, we were just talking." Brett snarled, and walked down the hall towards the exit.

Imogen glared at his retreating form. I, too, watched him go. Imogen loosened her arm and smiled. I breathed out a sigh of relief. I had never seen Brett so angry, but i had no idea what rumours he was talking about.

"He was saying about rumours." I whispered, lowly.

"Oh yeah, it's going round the college that he cheated on you." She replied. grinning.

We made our way to class. When we got up to the photography suite I went straight to the window. I stared out at the main gate, but there were just students arriving for college. No sign of leather jacket guy. Imogen stood next to me and looked at the main gate too. A knowing grin appeared on her face.

"You liked that guy you saw, didn't you?" She smirked.

"No, I just liked his jacket." I fumbled. She laughed, patting my shoulder and sitting in her chair.

"I know a lot of the alternative kids since I go to see local bands. I could see if anyone knows him and introduce you." She leaned back in the chair, enjoying playing match-maker.

I reluctantly agreed. The rest of the students walked in as did Mr Price. He looked astounded when he saw Imogen.

"Early again, Imogen? Are you setting a world record?" He laid down his bag. Imogen laughed sarcastically.

The rest of class went by quickly and it was soon three thirty. Mr Price glanced at the clock and sighed.

"Three thirty, already?" He motioned for us to listen. "Right, guys. Remember your homework and I hope you all have a fantastic weekend."

Everyone began packing their things away. I stood and peered out the window again without anyone noticing. Leather jacket guy was still a no show. A part of me was oddly disappointed, but another part of me was relieved.

I packed away my camera and said goodbye to everyone. I wanted to get out quickly so I could avoid Brett. I practically raced down the stairs and was at the main gate in seconds.

The day had become over cast and I wrapped my coat tighter around my small frame. There were a few cars parked up and some students milling around. I started to walk home. That feeling of being watched was gone and I carried on my walk home.

Mum and Dad were still at work. The post was, again, piled up on the mat. I picked it up and sifted through it. No creepy letter this time. It had obviously been a practical joke and I realised it must have been Brett. He must have wanted revenge for the supposed rumours.

The house was quiet and it unnerved me so before I settled down I searched every room. I was still searching when Mum arrived home. She snuck up on me while I was staring out her bedroom window.

"You all right, hun?" she asked, tossing her coat onto the ottoman.

"Yeah, I just saw a cat." I made up a lame excuse.

"You and your animals." She chuckled.

"Your Dad will be home soon." She stepped away from the window.

I left her to get changed. Dad was soon home and he kissed my hair and smiled at Mum as she was walking downstairs with a duffel bag.

"Don't look so excited. You'll be in trouble if you leave the back door open again." She scolded. Dad looked confused.

"I did lock it." He said, sounding puzzled.

Mum grinned like she didn't believe him. I felt my throat tighten. Someone had obviously managed to get in, but they hadn't stolen anything. I wanted to beg my parents to stay this weekend.

"Get changed and we'll head off." Mum snapped, clearly unamused by Dad.

He shook his head and stepped past her. I bit my lip in obvious worry. This was the part where I should tell my Mum about the note and Leather-jacket guy, but I felt stupid doing so.

Dad came back downstairs twenty minutes later with his bag. I could only sit and stare as they put on their coats. I followed them to the door.

"Right, hun. The hotel is only an hour away and I'll keep my phone on. There's money on the dining table for food." Mum pressed a kiss to my head.

"No wild parties." Dad chuckled, ruffling my hair.

They left and I heard them lock the front door. I double and triple checked the whole house as soon as the car pulled out of the driveway. I spent the rest of the evening jumping at every sound.

I eventually ordered pizza, but couldn't bring myself to eat more than one bite. I stored it in the kitchen and was about to go upstairs when I noticed the security light in our back garden was on.

I frowned and peered through the glass. There was something in the middle of the grass. I unlocked the door and slipped out into the cold, night air. I neared the object and lowered my body.

The thing I saw turned out to be a dead sparrow. Its wings were splayed out like it was flying and its beak was open in a silent scream. My heart broke, a cat must have got it. However, there was something under its wing.

I reached down and pulled out a small pice of paper and unfolded it slowly. That same messy handwriting adorned the piece of paper and a gasp got caught in my throat as I read it:

Like birds whose wings are broken,

you live without direction.

Was my would-be stalker basically saying he killed this innocent bird. Bile caught in my throat and I stood quickly, turning round and freezing in my tracks.

There was a guy standing in front of my back door, the light from the kitchen silhouetted him and made him look angelic. In the light I could see he was handsome, like really handsome. He could have been a model if he wanted to.

His black hair was long and slicked back, wisps of it fell into his eyes. His eyes were another thing entirely. They were blue, much like my own, but they were cold and calculating. they stared through me and I felt like he was staring into my mind, at my vulnerabilites. I shrank under that gaze.

He stepped closer and I noticed he was tall. He must have been well over six foot. He noticed me step back and his lips formed a perfect smirk. He looked evil and he reached out, clasping my hand in a cold grip.

"Let me go, freak." I found my voice.

My plea was ignored as i was yanked towards him. I struggled and tried to kick him and use my free hand to punch him. He grabbed both my wrists in his large hand and wrenched my body, twisting me so we were eye to eye.

"Don't fight me, kitten," His voice was deep. His tone was dangerous. "I wouldn't want to hurt you."

I ceased stuggling when I noticed the knife he was holding. He bought it up to my face and pressed the blade to my cheek. I took a shuddering breath.

"That's my girl." He smirked.

I took advantage of his momentary lapse and squished my foot onto his. He didn't move or show indication that it hurt. His blue eyes locked with mine again and he quirked a brow at my futile attempt at escape.

My lips parted as though to scream, but his hand quickly clamped over my mouth, stopping me. He was inches away, lowering his tall stature so we would be eye to eye. His blue eyes were locked with mine, analysing my face.

"I think it would be in your best interest not to scream," He was speaking calmly. "I'm not the kind of person that lets people live in these situations."

A whimper slipped past my lips and was absorbed by his hand. He removed his hand and I let out a desperate sob. He seemed confused by this. Did he serously think I wanted to die? Begging for my life seemed apt right about now.

"Please, don't kill me." I gasped out.

"Relax, I'm not going to kill you. I just want you to come with me," He twirled the knife between his long fingers then aimed it at me again. I squirmed against him. "I won't kill you, but I will hurt you if you struggle. So don't struggle, kitten."

I ceased struggling and he let go of me, aiming the knife at me. He nodded towards the house and I started to walk inside. He followed me and my stomach lurched. I stopped walking and peered back at him.

He was no longer smiling, instead he sighed in aggravation and nodded to the stairs. I mounted the stairs and he followed. We got to my room and he pushed me gently. I waited for something to happen. He circled past me and sat on my bed, leaning back and watching me.

"Pack anything you might need." He said, surprising me.

I glanced at the knife and grabbed my Totoro bag, packing some clothes and neccessities. I grabbed my camera bag and turned to face him. He was holding a photo that had been situated on my desk. It was of me and Mum on our holiday to Rome.

"How old were you here?" He held it up. His tone was casual as though abducting people was a perfectly normal hobby.

"I-i was sixteen." I stuttered.

He sat up suddenly, making me jump. He stalked towards me and towered over me. I accepted the photo when he handed it to me. The knife was aimed at me again and I left the room.

As we walked downstairs and out the front door I was plotting my way of escape. I needed to get away from him.

Notes